THE George Street entry for the Pinjarra Junction Shopping Centre south development was in discussion at Murray Shire council on Thursday, with developers saying it was an essential part to the project.
John Burgess from Burgess Design Group and Tim McClements from Colorado Properties gave a deputation in regards to the importance of having a right-hand turn from George Street.
They presented an amended condition to the Shire officer’s recommendation which had council recognise a concept plan, developed by Main Roads.
This was voted in favour of by councillors.
The developer’s proposed plan, which includes the right-hand turn from George Street, would require the removal of nine street car bays.
“We believe this will bring a greater overall benefit to Pinjarra than the car bays lost,” Mr Burgess said.
Main Roads has already ruled out a right-hand turn from Pinjarra Road, which has only left the option of having one on George Street to complement the Murray Street entry.
Mr McClements said there would be a difficulty of getting tenants into the premise if there wasn’t an easily accessible carpark.
He said they were currently in negotiations with an international food outlet for a location at Pinjarra Junction Shopping Centre south, who said they would withdraw their application if the right-hand turn was not achieved.
Shire of Murray director of planning and sustainability Rod Peake said by removing the nine car bays on George Street, it may have an impact on the surrounding businesses and increase traffic.
“I’m all for development and employment but it’s not the only entry to the carpark and if you go with the developer’s condition, you’re going against growth policy,” Shire of Murray chief Dean Unsworth said.
“I don’t believe [surrounding] shops will flourish with this at all.”
Councillor Maree Reid foreshadowed the motion, suggesting council seek further consultation with Main Roads on the matter.
This was voted against by fellow councillors, who believed it would drag the process out unnecessarily.
The development is due to appear at the State Administrative Tribunal’s Directions Hearing on June 19.